detonation

Definitions

General Science

noun a sudden, explosiveburning of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders of a piston engine, possibly causing engine damage and resulting in engine failure

Cars & Driving

noun a condition in the combustion chambers that gives rise to knocking or pinking, which occurs when fuel is ignited too early and/or spontaneously, due to excessive ignition advance or low octane fuel; this results in colliding flame fronts and shock waves which can in turn cause overheating and mechanical stress